Symptoms of a Brain Tumor

The following are the most common symptoms of a brain tumor. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms vary depending on the child’s age and size and location of tumor. Many symptoms are related to an increase in pressure in or around the brain. There is no spare space in the skull for anything except the delicate tissues of the brain and its fluid. Any tumor, extra tissue, or fluid can cause pressure on the brain and result in the following symptoms:

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) - caused by extra tissue or fluid in the brain. Pressure may increase because one or more of the ventricles that drain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF, the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord) has been blocked, causing the fluid to be trapped in the brain. Increased ICP can cause the following:

Headache

Vomiting (usually in the morning)

Other symptoms could include

Nausea

Personality changes

Irritability

Drowsiness

Depression

Decreased cardiac and respiratory function and eventually coma if not treated

Visual problems

Weakness

Head tilt

Seizures

Difficulty swallowing

How a Brain Tumor is Diagnosed

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination of your child, examination procedures for a brain tumor may include:

Computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. MRI is very helpful for looking at the brain and spinal cord.

Positron emission tomography (PET) – a type of nuclear medicine scan that measures the metabolic activity of cells. A PET scan may show areas of cancer that may not be seen on a CT scan or an MRI scan.

Lumbar puncture/spinal tap - a special needle is placed into the lower back, into the spinal canal. This is the area around the spinal cord. A small amount of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) can be removed and sent for testing. CSF is the fluid which bathes the brain and spinal cord.

In some cases, the medical team at Phoenix Children’s may use more advanced procedures such as spectroscopy, tractography, and MRA and MRV to diagnose your child’s condition.

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Makenzie's Story

Just before Makenzie turned seven years old, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. At first her parents, Terri and Chris, thought her short term memory loss and dizziness had been caused by a fall Makenzie had taken. But after bringing Makenzie to Phoenix Children's Hospital, doctors found that she had a brain tumor..